Mum-of-two Jacintha Saldanha was found dead at her home near the hospital where the duchess had been looked after

Kate and Prince William were devastated at hearing of Jacintha’s suspected suicide.

Jacintha, 46, was duped into putting through a hoax call to Kate’s nurse from Aussie radio stars pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles.

While the royals were equipped to deal with the intrusion, it appears Jacintha was unable to cope with the consequences of her error.

The mum-of-two was found dead at her home near the Edward VII Hospital in Central London where the duchess had been looked after.

Police said they are not treating the death as suspicious.

St James’s Palace said: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jacintha Saldanha.

"They were looked after so wonderfully well by everybody at King Edward VII Hospital, and their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”

Devoted Jacintha was on reception when she took the call from 2Day FM ­pranksters Mel Greig and Michael Christian and put them through to another nurse who gave out sensitive information about sick Kate.

The hospital said: “We can confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Jacintha Saldanha.

“Jacintha was an excellent nurse and a well-respected and popular member of staff with all her colleagues.

"We can confirm she was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital. The hospital has been supporting her at this difficult time.”

Chief executive John Lofthouse added: “Everyone is shocked by the loss of a much-loved and valued colleague.”

And chairman Lord Glenarthur said: “This is a tragic event.

"Jacintha was a first-class nurse who cared diligently for hundreds of patients during her time with us. She will be greatly missed.”

Royal College of Nursing general secretary Dr Peter Carter added: “It is deeply saddening that a simple human error due to a cruel hoax could lead to the death of a dedicated member of the nursing profession.

“This is tragic news, and the thoughts of all at the Royal College of Nursing go to the family of Jacintha Saldanha.”